Devine Scripture

Acts 16:5

What does Acts 16:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:5 means

The result of sound teaching and wise pastoral action is evident: churches are strengthened in the faith and grow in number daily. Stability in doctrine nourishes vitality in mission. When believers are grounded in the gospel and protected from confusion, evangelistic fruit often follows. Luke’s summary here is a hallmark of Acts, where God regularly grants growth when His word is honored and unity is preserved. This strengthening is both inward—deepening trust in Christ—and outward—expanding the community of believers. It assures readers that the apostles’ decisions were not mere paperwork; they promoted peace, holiness, and effective witness across the congregations in the region.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So the churches were made strong in the faith and were increased in number every day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then, indeed, were the assemblies established in the faith, and were abounding in number every day;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the churches were confirmed in faith and increased in number daily.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The assemblies therefore were confirmed in the faith, and increased in number every day.

Context

This summary verse caps the section on team formation, Timothy’s circumcision, and the delivery of the Jerusalem decrees. With the churches fortified, the narrative pivots to divine guidance in travel. Verses 6–8 will describe how the Holy Spirit forbids entry into certain regions, redirecting the mission. Verse 5 thus serves as a hinge: after consolidation and growth at home base, God pushes the team into new territory, preparing for a surprising turn toward Macedonia in verses 9–10.

v.4And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem.

v.5This passage

v.6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 6:7

    And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

  • Acts 4:4

    But many of them that heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

  • Acts 19:18

    Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13

    to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

  • Acts 11:21

    And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number that believed turned unto the Lord.

  • Romans 16:25

    Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

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